This year has been a good one for cases, and the bar has definitely been raised by manufacturers for what we now expect in terms of functionality, style and price. Casetek is a relatively new manufacturer available to UK customers, being distributed to suppliers by Nanopoint distribution. The model we have today is known as the Casetek IQ-eye, an ATX midi tower case with built-in thermal monitoring.
The case comes well packed with closed-cell foam spacers protecting it from careless couriers. These are far superior to polystyrene which most manufacturers insist on using, since it is better at cushioning impacts, easier to handle and most importantly less likely to self-destruct on removal.
Taking the case out, initial impressions are that this is quite a heavy unit – certainly not light in the same way as an aluminium case is. This is because, despite its looks, the majority of the case is made from steel. Before you close the page however, steel is not necessarily any less desirable than aluminium. Steel cases are certainly more sturdy than many aluminium designs – especially the cheaper, more flimsy models. It is also less likely to suffer from dented side panels if you knock the case, and it shields better against EMI, since it is a denser material.
The IQ-eye is available from a number of UK suppliers for a price of around £69+VAT, including Planet Micro.
